Paul's retirement

We celebrated  Grandpa Paul's retirement this past weekend!  He began his career back in 1966 in Freeborn MN.  He was a High School teacher and coach.  He also taught in Mapleton MN.  He then moved on to working with investments for many years and concluded his working days as a small business owner at Alternative Resources in Sioux Falls SD.  By his side for all those years raising 2 boys and keeping the home front running was of course Grandma Darlene. 


 We celebrated at Natalie's with some of Paul's favorite foods.  BBQ sandwiches, chips and banana splits.  To show our appreciation and how proud we are of both of them we surprised them with  massage gift certificates and an ipad!

Darlene has never even turned on a computer.  But she says she is ready to learn the ipad.  She will be face timing and insta-graming all of us before we know it! This picture shows the younger generation teaching the older generation the ropes :)

Christmas 2013

 Our Christmas celebrations began here in Yankton with our annual family Christmas.  The kids usually put on a play for us and this year's was excellent as always.  This picture shows them singing and playing Christmas carols to end the program.  Owen was not interested in rehearsing this year so he was booted from the program :)

 After opening our presents we had a birthday party for Jesus. 

 

 Our Advent wreath.  We didn't get a chance to light our candles each and every Sunday this year so we had a short devotional and lit all of them at once during our celebration.  Shortly after this picture was taken all of these candles melted into my stone hearth.  We blew them out but forgot about the fire place behind them .Ugh! 

 Then it was on to Sioux Falls to spend Christmas with Will's family.  Grandma Darlene always has a beautiful table set.  Only one glass was broken this year.  Needless to say with 7 kids at the table the meal can get a bit stressful sometimes with all this beautiful china to work around :)

 

Just back from Christmas Eve service

 

 All of the grandkids singing Christmas carols before we open gifts

 

 Watching my niece Kate open her first American Girl doll! 

 

 Another birthday party for Jesus.  Darlene made scrumptious red and green birthday cake.

 

 Then it was off to Mitchell the next morning for Christmas with my family.  As you can see Owen loves the gift opening part!  We had a great lunch prepared by my mom and our annual 5 dollar gift exchange with our extended family. 

 My Dad and Grandma enjoying the gift opening

 

Whew!  They made it!  Relaxing at Grandma Clark's after everyone has gone home.  As always, it was a wonderful Christmas.  We are so very blessed!

Christmas program

 

This years Christmas program was called "Hark".  Jillian and Madelyn were angels and had a speaking part.  Owen was a sheep and Lauren was the "Director" and had a small solo.  Time sure passes quickly.  This was Lauren's last Christmas program :(

Lauren is 12!

Our first born turned 12 on December 5th!  We were creative this year and decided to eat in Crofton NE at their local restaurant called Walts.  It was great bar type food and it was fun to drive over the border and do something different.  We also took in the Crofton vs Cedar Catholic girls basketball game.  Its fun to see those small schools compete and to be in that environment. 

A few weeks later we finally got the grandparents down here and we celebrated again at the Fry'n Pan with supper and cupcakes.  Also, take note of the new hardware on her teeth!  She got braces the week of her birthday. 

Student of the Week

Ms. Jillian was Student of the Week at Lincoln School in November.  If you know Jillian then you know she has a few different personalities.  She is quiet and reserved most of the time but in the right environment she is a ball of energy and all smiles!  Her poster that was hung in the hallway says she enjoys riding her bike, playing basketball and other sports, reading and Math.